Trailer Canyon Fire Road

Trailer Canyon Fire Road is a 4.5 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Pacific Palisades, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Horses are also able to use this trail.

DISTANCE

4.5 miles

ELEVATION GAIN

964 feet

ROUTE TYPE

Out & Back

kid friendly

birding

hiking

mountain biking

nature trips

trail running

walking

horseback riding

views

wild flowers

wildlife

no dogs

A fire road with great views of the Santa Monica Mountains and the surrounding canyons. Temescal Peak can be reached from the fire road.
Trailer Canyon Fire Road, which weaves progressively further up the ridge, gaining 550 feet over 1.5 miles to reach Temescal Ridge. The views expand as you go, and the wide road provides easy travel.
If you want, you can extend your hike to Temescal Peak. When you come to the end of the road, turn left and head north up Temescal Ridge Trail. A gradual mile and a half from the top of Trailer Canyon Fire Road, the Temescal Ridge Trail wraps around Temescal Peak.

The Trailer Canyon Fire Road is easily accessible -- take a right on Michael Ln. and follow the road about 0.5 miles till you come up on the fire road junction to your left. Because the area is residential, you can park along the street and follow the fire road to the trailhead.

The hike offers great views of the Topanga Canyon and the ocean. The hike is a steady uphill, with occasional areas that are fairly flat. There is not much shade, but the hillside can provide some shade if you leave early enough in the morning. If you're leaving later in the day when the sun is out, I definitely recommend bringing a hat, sunscreen, and a couple of water bottles.

Additionally, the hike is dog-friendly as long as your best friends are on-leash and you pick up after them. If you're leaving later in the day, I would recommend bringing some water for your pooch since they will probably need to rehydrate a few times along the ascent. The only disadvantage to this hike is that dogs are only allowed up until you reach the entrance to the Topanga State Park.

All in all, I believe it is a great hike that provides you with good physical exercise and an opportunity for some great views!

The hike is absolutely beautiful! The fire road has a gradual upward slope, but it's a constant slope for a mile and a half, so be prepared for the fact that it will feel more strenuous than it looks like it should. The trail is mostly in the sun, so make sure to bring lots of water and try to avoid hiking at noon on hot days.

We hiked on to Temescal Peak, and the view was definitely worth it! I highly recommend it!